You’ll Need This Much Money to Live Comfortably in the 50 Biggest Cities in America

You don’t need to be rich in order to live comfortably — but you do need to make a certain amount of money. The key is to earn enough to cover the cost of your necessities, pay for non-essentials and build your savings.

A good way to gauge whether you can live a comfortable financial life is to apply the 50-30-20 budgeting rule, in which 50 percent of income covers necessities, 30 percent covers discretionary items and 20 percent is for savings. From here, you can figure out whether your income is sufficient to cover cost-of-living expenses in your city.

GOBankingRates conducted a cost-of-living comparison of the 50 most populous U.S. cities based on the median income by city and the dollar amounts required to cover the cost of necessities, including rent, groceries, utilities, transportation and healthcare in each city. From there, we applied the 50-30-20 rule to determine the recommended salary to live comfortably. Starting with the smallest cities by population, click through to see if you earn enough money for where you’re living.

Anaheim, Calif.: $69,243

• 50 percent for necessities: $34,621
• 30 percent for discretionary spending: $20,773
• 20 percent for savings: $13,849
• Income needed to live comfortably: $69,243

You need to make over $8,000 more than the median income to live comfortably in Anaheim. Increasing housing costs could be part of the reason why there’s an $8,000 gap between the city’s median income and the ideal income.

In January 2014, the median home value was $456,300 before climbing to $558,400 by January 2017. Meanwhile, in 2014, Anaheim’s median household income was $59,272, according to a Southern California Association of Governments report. But according to the latest Census data, Anaheim’s median income today is $60,752 — an increase of only about 2.5 percent against a 22 percent increase in home values.

See: Here’s What an Average Apartment Costs in 50 U.S. Cities

Honolulu: $75,698

• 50 percent for necessities: $37,849
• 30 percent for discretionary spending: $22,709
• 20 percent for savings: $15,140
• Income needed to live comfortably: $75,698

Hawaii has a notoriously high cost of living, which contributes to it being the state where you’re most likely to live paycheck to paycheck. It’s also one of the worst states for retirees.

However, Honolulu residents almost earn the ideal level of income. Honolulu’s median household income of $74,460 is only $1,238 less than the income needed to live comfortably.

Arlington, Texas: $46,420

• 50 percent for necessities: $23,210
• 30 percent for discretionary spending: $13,926
• 20 percent for savings: $9,284
• Income needed to live comfortably: $46,420 (down $484 from 2016)

There are seven Texas cities featured in this study, and Arlington is the first one on our list. Of the three cities that form the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington metropolitan area, Arlington is the most affordable when you compare cost of living by city.

The median household income in Arlington is $53,326, which is more than enough to live within your means and then some. Arlington’s median income produces a surplus of almost $7,000 compared to the $46,420 needed to live comfortably. Plus, the median income is slightly higher than what the average American makes in Texas.

New Orleans: $62,003

• 50 percent for necessities: $31,001
• 30 percent for discretionary spending: $18,601
• 20 percent for savings: $12,401
• Income needed to live comfortably: $62,003 (up $1,221 from 2016)

Earnings in New Orleans are low when you compare the median income by city. The median income for a New Orleans household is only $36,792. As such, the Big Easy’s median income is hardly enough to live easy, coming up $25,211 short of the amount needed to live comfortably.

Wichita, Kan.: $43,644

• 50 percent for necessities: $21,822
• 30 percent for discretionary spending: $13,093
• 20 percent for savings: $8,729
• Income needed to live comfortably: $43,644 (up $3,028 from 2016)

Wichita offers affordability, but housing costs could be rising. Although still relatively cheap at $551, the median rent for a single-bedroom place in Wichita increased by more than 17 percent since last January.

But with a median income of $45,947, Wichita’s low housing costs help the typical household earn $2,303 more than the income required to live comfortably in the city.

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Tulsa, Okla.: $50,220

• 50 percent for necessities: $25,110
• 30 percent for discretionary spending: $15,066
• 20 percent for savings: $10,044
• Income needed to live comfortably: $50,220

Tulsa residents’ median household income of $42,284 is decent — but it’s still nearly $8,000 less than the total annual income required to live comfortably. One of the main reasons you need a larger income to live comfortably in Tulsa is because of utilities and healthcare. In fact, Tulsa is one of the cities on this list with the highest utilities and healthcare costs.

Minneapolis: $64,605

• 50 percent for necessities: $32,302
• 30 percent for discretionary spending: $19,382
• 20 percent for savings: $12,921
• Income needed to live comfortably: $64,605 (up $435 from 2016)

Minneapolis is located close to St. Paul. And if you compare cost of living by city, Minneapolis is the most expensive. In fact, Minneapolis’ median household income of $51,480 is more than 25 percent short of the ideal income, $64,605. That equates to the typical resident needing $13,125 more per year to live comfortably.

Oakland, Calif.: $80,438

• 50 percent for necessities: $40,219
• 30 percent for discretionary spending: $24,131
• 20 percent for savings: $16,088
• Income needed to live comfortably: $80,438

It’s expensive to live in the Golden State. And Oakland is no exception.

The median income of $54,618 is significantly less than the income needed to live comfortably — almost $26,000 short of the amount needed. That puts Oakland in fifth place for having the largest income gap between the median household income and the ideal income threshold to live well.

Miami: $75,891

• 50 percent for necessities: $37,945
• 30 percent for discretionary spending: $22,767
• 20 percent for savings: $15,178
• Income needed to live comfortably: $75,891 (down $1,166 from 2016)

Miami’s median income of $31,051 is $44,840 short of the amount needed to live well in this city ― the biggest gap between actual and ideal incomes of any major city in this study.

Several living costs in Miami are on the more expensive side of the spectrum. For example, the city has the ninth-highest annual rent ($22,800), and groceries are more expensive than in most cities. Miami residents can save money, though, by using these smart survival tips for living in an expensive city.

Raleigh, N.C.: $60,028

• 50 percent for necessities: $30,014
• 30 percent for discretionary spending: $18,008
• 20 percent for savings: $12,006
• Income needed to live comfortably: $60,028 (up $4,491 from 2016)

Based on Raleigh’s median income of $55,398, locals earn incomes close to $5,000 less than the financial threshold to live comfortably. However, if you do a cost-of-living comparison by city, Raleigh is cheaper than the other North Carolina city in our study: Charlotte.

But residents of both cities benefit from the fact that North Carolina is one of the cheapest states to own a car.

Colorado Springs, Colo.: $49,415

• 50 percent for necessities: $24,707
• 30 percent for discretionary spending: $14,825
• 20 percent for savings: $9,883
• Income needed to live comfortably: $49,415 (up $4,903 from 2016)

Cost of living in Colorado Springs is on the rise. The rental price of a one-bedroom apartment in Colorado Springs increased by more than 14 percent since last year. And the income required to live comfortably rose about $5,000 compared to the amount you needed to live comfortably last year.

The good news, however, is that Colorado Springs still remains affordable. With a median household income of $54,527, the typical resident has a $5,000-plus surplus after allocating money for necessities, discretionary spending and savings.

Omaha, Neb.: $50,832

• 50 percent for necessities: $25,416
• 30 percent for discretionary spending: $15,250
• 20 percent for savings: $10,166
• Income needed to live comfortably: $50,832 (up $5,272 from 2016)

With a median household income of $49,896, Omaha residents come close to earning the income needed to live comfortably — but fall $936 short. Compared to last year, the amount needed to live comfortably in Omaha has grown by $5,000.

Virginia Beach, Va.: $52,650

• 50 percent for necessities: $26,325
• 30 percent for discretionary spending: $15,795
• 20 percent for savings: $10,530
• Income needed to live comfortably: $52,650 (up $1,721 from 2016)

Lower-than-average costs of living and a high median household income ($66,634) make it easier to live comfortably in Virginia Beach. In fact, Virginia Beach’s median income is well above the U.S. median ($53,889). The city’s median income is also $13,984 more than what’s needed to live comfortably, which is the biggest surplus of any major U.S. city in this study.

Atlanta: $62,184

• 50 percent for necessities: $31,092
• 30 percent for discretionary spending: $18,655
• 20 percent for savings: $12,437
• Income needed to live comfortably: $62,184 (up $1,899 from 2016)

Atlanta home values recovered well from the housing crash, with the median home value increasing by roughly 73 percent from 2012 to 2017. But rising housing costs could be putting pressure on incomes to keep up.

With a median household income of $47,527 in Atlanta, workers in this city have $14,657 less than they need each year to live well. That shortfall equates to needing an additional $1,221.42 per month in income.

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Mesa, Ariz.: $48,995

• 50 percent for necessities: $24,497
• 30 percent for discretionary spending: $14,699
• 20 percent for savings: $9,799
• Income needed to live comfortably: $48,995 (up $6,341 from 2016)

Mesa has relatively cheap living costs when compared to other major cities. For example, the city has the cheapest cost of utilities annually ($1,228.80) compared to other cities on this list and one of the cheapest rent costs.

Residents earning the local median income of $48,809 don’t have a surplus, but they’re only $186 short of living comfortably.

Kansas City, Mo.: $52,105

• 50 percent for necessities: $26,053
• 30 percent for discretionary spending: $15,632
• 20 percent for savings: $10,421
• Income needed to live comfortably: $52,105 (up $6,794 from 2016)

Housing prices are skyrocketing in Kansas City ― and it seems that rental prices are, too. The median rent of a one-bedroom apartment increased by more than 25 percent since January 2016.

Rising living costs contribute to the $6,284 gap between the median household income ($45,821) and the income required to live comfortably, which rose by almost $7,000 compared to last year’s study.

Long Beach, Calif.: $62,902

• 50 percent for necessities: $31,451
• 30 percent for discretionary spending: $18,871
• 20 percent for savings: $12,580
• Income needed to live comfortably: $62,902 (up $4,342 from 2016)

With a median income of $52,783, Long Beach residents need to earn or save an extra $10,000 a year to live comfortably. Even so, housing costs might make it hard to live comfortably in this California city.

Rental prices in Long Beach have risen considerably in the last five years. From January 2012 to January 2017, the median rent for a one-bedroom residence increased by almost 50 percent.

Sacramento, Calif.: $56,786

• 50 percent for necessities: $28,393
• 30 percent for discretionary spending: $17,036
• 20 percent for savings: $11,357
• Income needed to live comfortably: $56,786 (up $3,050 from 2016)

When comparing median income by city, Sacramento’s median household income ($50,739) is just below Long Beach’s median and just above the Los Angeles median of $50,205. Although most Sacramento residents are about $6,000 short of the ideal income level, the gap is smaller than in Long Beach or Los Angeles.

Fresno, Calif.: $44,648

• 50 percent for necessities: $22,324
• 30 percent for discretionary spending: $13,394
• 20 percent for savings: $8,930
• Income needed to live comfortably: $44,648 (up $2,152 from 2016)

Of the 50 cities in this study, Fresno’s cost of living is among the lowest. The city’s $41,531 median income is just $3,117 short of the income needed to live well in this city, which is one of the smallest income gaps of California cities in the study.

Tucson, Ariz.: $45,414

• 50 percent for necessities: $22,707
• 30 percent for discretionary spending: $13,624
• 20 percent for savings: $9,083
• Income needed to live comfortably: $45,414 (up $5,448 from 2016)

At $37,149, Tucson has one of the lowest median household incomes in our study. But although the median income isn’t high enough to live comfortably, it’s only $8,265 below the threshold.

Still, it seems that cost-of-living expenses in Tucson might be on the rise. Last year’s study found you could make less than $40,000 to live comfortably.

Albuquerque, N.M.: $42,445

• 50 percent for necessities: $21,222
• 30 percent for discretionary spending: $12,734
• 20 percent for savings: $8,489
• Income needed to live comfortably: $42,445 (down $1,450 from 2016)

Albuquerque’s median income is $47,030, which means residents make more than the amount needed to live comfortably.

The city offers some comparatively unique benefits that other cities can’t match. For example, Albuquerque is one of the few cities to simultaneously have one of the cheapest median rents, groceries and healthcare costs.

Louisville, Ky.: $48,897

• 50 percent for necessities: $24,449
• 30 percent for discretionary spending: $14,669
• 20 percent for savings: $9,779
• Income needed to live comfortably: $48,897 (up $2,066 from 2016)

Louisville’s median income of $45,762 makes it slightly hard to live comfortably. Although the salary needed to live comfortably has increased from last year, Louisville is still more affordable than most cities on this list.

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Las Vegas: $48,111

• 50 percent for necessities: $24,055
• 30 percent for discretionary spending: $14,433
• 20 percent for savings: $9,622
• Income needed to live comfortably: $48,111 (down $2,342 from 2016)

Las Vegas residents earn a median income of $50,202, which is $2,091 more than the amount needed to live well there. And living in Las Vegas is affordable compared to other cities. For example, the city has some of the lowest costs for groceries and healthcare.

Portland, Ore.: $64,817

• 50 percent for necessities: $32,408
• 30 percent for discretionary spending: $19,445
• 20 percent for savings: $12,963
• Income needed to live comfortably: $64,817 (up $4,622 from 2016)

Home values in Portland increased faster from 2015 to 2017 than in the two years leading up to its peak Zillow median home value in 2007. This could explain why residents need to make more money in order to live comfortably. Based on the Portland median household income of $55,003, residents’ annual earnings fall $9,814 short from the ideal income.

Baltimore: $58,629

• 50 percent for necessities: $29,314
• 30 percent for discretionary spending: $17,589
• 20 percent for savings: $11,726
• Income needed to live comfortably: $58,629 (up $4,732 from 2016)

The median household income in Baltimore is $42,241, and residents need $16,388 more to live comfortably. Fortunately, the median rent for one-bedroom apartments has been relatively stable in the last two years, increasing only 5 percent from January 2015 to January 2017.

Nashville, Tenn.: $70,150

• 50 percent for necessities: $35,075
• 30 percent for discretionary spending: $21,045
• 20 percent for savings: $14,030
• Income needed to live comfortably: $70,150 (up $9,135 from 2016)

Tennessee has a hot housing market and might even be experiencing a real estate bubble. Nashville, in particular, is seeing some rising prices of its own. In fact, home values in Nashville are rising faster in the last five years than in the five years leading up to the peak of the bubble in 2007.

The median rent for one-bedroom residences in Nashville rose by more than 10 percent year over year. And the income needed to live comfortably is $22,529 higher than the median household income. On top of that, the income needed in this year’s study is about $9,000 more than the income needed to live comfortably last year.

Boston: $79,277

• 50 percent for necessities: $39,639
• 30 percent for discretionary spending: $23,783
• 20 percent for savings: $15,855
• Income needed to live comfortably: $79,277 (down $5,145 from 2016)

It isn’t easy to cover Boston’s high cost of living on the typical local income. And with home values expected to rise 24 percent by 2020, living in Boston could get more expensive.

The city’s $55,777 median income falls $23,500 short of the amount needed to live comfortably. On the other hand, the amount needed to live comfortably in 2016 ($84,422) was higher than in 2017.

Memphis, Tenn.: $48,467

• 50 percent for necessities: $24,234
• 30 percent for discretionary spending: $14,540
• 20 percent for savings: $9,693
• Income needed to live comfortably: $48,467 (up $4,287 from 2016)

Like Nashville, Memphis’ housing market is seeing a lot of activity. Despite this, Memphis boasts an affordable median rent ($656) for one-bedroom apartments, making the city one of the cheapest places to rent.

If you compare the cost of living with other big cities in the country, Memphis has cheaper necessary expenses than most. The problem is Memphis’ $36,445 median income. That income is $12,022 less than the total annual income needed to be financially comfortable. In fact, the income needed in this year’s study is about $4,000 higher than the income needed for Memphis last year.

Washington, D.C.: $80,273

• 50 percent for necessities: $40,136
• 30 percent for discretionary spending: $24,082
• 20 percent for savings: $16,055
• Income needed to live comfortably: $80,273 (down $2,831 from 2016)

With a median income of $70,848, earnings are $9,425 below the amount needed to live well in the nation’s capital. But on the plus side, the amount needed to live comfortably in the District this year is less than the amount needed last year.

Denver: $62,561

• 50 percent for necessities: $31,281
• 30 percent for discretionary spending: $18,768
• 20 percent for savings: $12,512
• Income needed to live comfortably: $62,561 (down $281 from 2016)

Denver’s median household income of $53,637 is close to $9,000 below the amount needed to live comfortably. But residents can survive high cost-of-living expenses by sticking to a tight budget.

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Seattle: $75,283

• 50 percent for necessities: $37,641
• 30 percent for discretionary spending: $22,585
• 20 percent for savings: $15,057
• Income needed to live comfortably: $75,283 (up $3,191 from 2016)

Compared to last year, you need to make a couple more thousand dollars to live comfortably in this city. Seattle’s median household income is $70,594. That’s $4,689 less than the income needed to cover necessities, savings and discretionary expenses.

El Paso, Texas: $40,393

• 50 percent for necessities: $20,197
• 30 percent for discretionary spending: $12,118
• 20 percent for savings: $8,079
• Income needed to live comfortably: $40,393 (up $166 from 2016)

Seattle makes El Paso look even more affordable than it already is. Where Seattle citizens have to allocate $37,641 a year toward necessities, El Paso residents need to set aside only $20,197 — the lowest amount in this study.

Although transportation costs are high, other El Paso cost-of-living expenses are low. The city boasts a very affordable median rent for a one-bedroom residence ($563) and the second-cheapest cost of groceries per year. These low costs make it easier for El Paso residents to live well with a $42,772 median income, which is $2,379 more than the income needed to follow a 50-30-20 budget.

Detroit: $42,161

• 50 percent for necessities: $21,081
• 30 percent for discretionary spending: $12,648
• 20 percent for savings: $8,432
• Income needed to live comfortably: $42,161 (down $611 from 2016)

If you want to save money on housing, Detroit has you covered. The Motor City’s $525 median rent is the cheapest one-bedroom rent out of all the cities in this study. But other living costs are high.

The cost of utilities in Detroit totals almost $3,000 per year, one of the highest costs in this study. But the biggest roadblock for residents is the city’s $25,764 median household income, which results in a gap of $16,397 between actual income and the amount needed to live well in Detroit.

Charlotte, N.C.: $64,009

• 50 percent for necessities: $32,005
• 30 percent for discretionary spending: $19,203
• 20 percent for savings: $12,802
• Income needed to live comfortably: $64,009 (up $10,167 from 2016)

Charlotte is one of the fastest-growing cities in the U.S., according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau. The growing population might be increasing home values. For example, the median home value in Charlotte grew by almost 40 percent from January 2012 to January 2017. And Charlotte’s median rent for a one-bedroom place rose approximately 20 percent from January 2016 to January 2017.

Rising housing costs is one reason Charlotte residents need to make more money to live comfortably. With a median income of $53,637, Charlotte residents need to earn an extra $10,372 to reach the ideal income level of $64,009 — $10,000 more than the income needed last year.

Fort Worth, Texas: $53,026

• 50 percent for necessities: $26,513
• 30 percent for discretionary spending: $15,908
• 20 percent for savings: $10,605
• Income needed to live comfortably: $53,026 (up $1,267 from 2016)

The median income in Fort Worth ($53,214) is close to the ideal income needed to live comfortably. If you make the median household income in Fort Worth, you should have a yearly income surplus of $188.

Columbus, Ohio: $44,852

• 50 percent for necessities: $22,426
• 30 percent for discretionary spending: $13,456
• 20 percent for savings: $8,970
• Income needed to live comfortably: $44,852 (down $614 from 2016)

Columbus residents earning the household median income of $45,659 are ahead of the curve, earning an annual surplus of $807 beyond the amount needed to comfortably cover needs, wants and savings.

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Indianapolis: $47,127

• 50 percent for necessities: $23,564
• 30 percent for discretionary spending: $14,138
• 20 percent for savings: $9,425
• Income needed to live comfortably: $47,127 (up $1,111 from 2016)

The median income in Indianapolis ($41,987) is $5,140 less than the salary needed to live comfortably. But the cost of living in Indianapolis isn’t bad. The city boasts a cheap one-bedroom median rent of $775 and one of the lowest average healthcare costs.

San Francisco: $110,357

• 50 percent for necessities: $55,179
• 30 percent for discretionary spending: $33,107
• 20 percent for savings: $22,071
• Income needed to live comfortably: $110,357 (down $9,213 from 2016)

It’s no secret that the cost of living in San Francisco is high, especially when it comes to housing. Since January 1997, home values have quadrupled, from a median home value of $273,300 to $1.1 million as of January 2017. That’s part of the reason why San Francisco is one of the worst places to live if you’re trying to save money.

San Francisco’s $81,294 median income is $29,063 short of the income needed to follow the 50-30-20 budget. However, the income needed this year is actually $9,000 lower compared to last year.

Jacksonville, Fla.: $51,938

• 50 percent for necessities: $25,969
• 30 percent for discretionary spending: $15,581
• 20 percent for savings: $10,388
• Income needed to live comfortably: $51,938 (up $2,096 from 2016)

It’s easier to live comfortably in Jacksonville than in other Florida cities, such as Miami. The median income of $46,764 falls just $5,174 short of the amount needed to live comfortably in Jacksonville. So although budgets might get tight, Jacksonville residents don’t face the massive income gap that Miami residents do.

Austin, Texas: $54,631

• 50 percent for necessities: $27,316
• 30 percent for discretionary spending: $16,389
• 20 percent for savings: $10,926
• Income needed to live comfortably: $54,631 (up $1,406 from 2016)

Austin’s cost of living isn’t the cheapest in the state, but the city’s median household income ($57,689) is higher than every other Texas city that made our list. As a result, most residents can live comfortably on the city’s median income, which is $3,058 more than the salary needed to follow the 50-30-20 rule.

San Jose, Calif.: $87,153

• 50 percent for necessities: $43,576
• 30 percent for discretionary spending: $26,146
• 20 percent for savings: $17,431
• Income needed to live comfortably: $87,153 (down $2,581 from 2016)

Although the cost of living in San Jose is high, it’s also one of the best cities to score your dream job with a high salary. As the largest city in Silicon Valley, San Jose boasts high-paying jobs in technology, finance and more.

San Jose’s median income of $84,647 is $2,506 less than the amount needed to live comfortably. Though incomes fall short, San Jose’s income gap is the smallest of the California cities in the study.

Dallas: $57,984

• 50 percent for necessities: $28,992
• 30 percent for discretionary spending: $17,395
• 20 percent for savings: $11,597
• Income needed to live comfortably: $57,984 (up $2,333 from 2016)

Out of all the Texas cities analyzed in this city, Dallas residents face the largest difference between actual income and the income needed to live comfortably. The median income in Dallas ($43,781) is a significant $14,203 less than the ideal income.

Still, Dallas has some benefits for current residents and those looking to relocate. For example, the cost of groceries in the city ranks among the cheapest in the study.

San Diego: $69,958

• 50 percent for necessities: $34,979
• 30 percent for discretionary spending: $20,987
• 20 percent for savings: $13,992
• Income needed to live comfortably: $69,958 (up $651 from 2016)

San Diego’s median income of $66,116 is $3,842 less than the income needed to live comfortably with a 50-30-20 budget. However, it could be worse, especially when you compare the cost of living by city in California. San Diego’s $3,842 gap is one of the smallest income gaps among the California cities included in this study.

San Antonio: $46,154

• 50 percent for necessities: $23,077
• 30 percent for discretionary spending: $13,846
• 20 percent for savings: $9,231
• Income needed to live comfortably: $46,154 (down $84 from 2016)

Boasting a median household income of $46,744, San Antonio residents make slightly more than the ideal salary.

Phoenix: $53,212

• 50 percent for necessities: $26,606
• 30 percent for discretionary spending: $15,964
• 20 percent for savings: $10,642
• Income needed to live comfortably: $53,212 (up $4,336 from 2016)

Phoenix has a household median income of $47,326, which is $5,886 less than the income needed to live comfortably in the city. And it seems that the cost of living in Phoenix might be getting higher. Compared to last year, the ideal income increased by $4,000.

Philadelphia: $61,974

• 50 percent for necessities: $30,987
• 30 percent for discretionary spending: $18,592
• 20 percent for savings: $12,395
• Income needed to live comfortably: $61,974 (up $2,590 from 2016)

Philadelphia’s median household is $38,253, which makes covering expenses difficult. Rental prices in Philadelphia aren’t the most expensive, but they aren’t cheap either. The median rent for a one-bedroom apartment has risen over the years, from a low-point of $999 in January 2012 to a fairly manageable level ($1,325) as of January 2017.

However, with a median income of $38,253, a year’s worth of rent wipes out nearly half your earnings — and that’s not including all the other necessities you have to pay for. That helps contribute to one of the largest income gaps in the study, with the median income coming up $23,721 short of the ideal income.

Houston: $56,223

• 50 percent for necessities: $28,111
• 30 percent for discretionary spending: $16,867
• 20 percent for savings: $11,245
• Income needed to live comfortably: $56,223 (down $4,572 from 2016)

The median household income in Houston is only $46,187. The gap between the median income and the ideal income to live comfortably is $10,036. Residents making less than the ideal income should find ways to increase their take-home pay.

Chicago: $66,162

• 50 percent for necessities: $33,081
• 30 percent for discretionary spending: $19,849
• 20 percent for savings: $13,232
• Income needed to live comfortably: $66,162 (down $2,509 from 2016)

Although the income needed to live comfortably exceeds the median income, living in Chicago is a tad more affordable compared to last year. The ideal income decreased by $2,500 over the last year.

Los Angeles: $76,047

• 50 percent for necessities: $38,024
• 30 percent for discretionary spending: $22,814
• 20 percent for savings: $15,209
• Income needed to live comfortably: $76,047 (up $1,676 from 2016)

Los Angeles is one of the most expensive places to live when you factor in rent, groceries, utilities, transportation and healthcare. This study found the total cost of annual necessities is just shy under $40,000 at $38,024. But that’s not including discretionary spending and savings. Los Angeles’ high cost of living means living comfortably requires a higher income ― $25,642 higher than the city’s median income of $50,205.

New York: $86,446

• 50 percent for necessities: $43,223
• 30 percent for discretionary spending: $25,934
• 20 percent for savings: $17,289
• Income needed to live comfortably: $86,446 (down $1,000 from 2016)

New York has one of the highest costs of living. In fact, the median household income in New York is $33,073 less than the amount needed to sufficiently cover needs, wants and savings. That gives New York the second-biggest gap between these amounts, behind Miami.

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What It Costs to Live in the 50 Most Populous U.S. Cities

Here are the 50 most populous cities surveyed by GOBankingRates. The chart compares the income needed to live comfortably in each city to each city’s actual median household income. The cities are listed in order according to the difference between the income needed and the median income, from the biggest deficit ― where living comfortably is most difficult ― to the biggest surplus ― where it’s easiest to live comfortably.

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Methodology: GOBankingRates surveyed monthly living expenses in the 50 most populous U.S. cities, according to U.S. Census Bureau estimates. This cost-of-living comparison included the following factors for a single person: (1) housing, using the median rent for a one-bedroom apartment in each city, sourced from Zillow’s January 2017 rental index; (2) groceries, using the recommended amount reported by cost-of-living database Numbeo.com for each city; (3) utilities for a 915-square-foot apartment in each city, according to cost estimates from Numbeo.com; (4) transportation costs according to the Economic Policy Institute’s Family Budget Calculator for each city or its nearest metropolitan area; and (5) health insurance premiums as estimated at the state level for 2016 by the Department of Health and Human Services.

Monthly costs were totaled and multiplied by 12 to get the annual dollar cost of necessities in each city. This dollar amount for necessities was then doubled to find the actual annual income needed to live comfortably in the city, assuming a person is following the 50-30-20 budgeting guideline, which requires an income double the cost of necessities. This study also compared the amount of income needed in each city to each city’s actual median pretax household income according to the latest U.S. Census Bureau data. The amount of money specified for savings is equal to 20 percent of the total income needed, and the amount specified for discretionary spending is equal to 30 percent of the total income needed.